Microchip

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip must be implanted prior to rabies vaccination, and the number must appear on all vaccination and health documents.

Vaccinations

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel. The vaccine must:

• Be administered after microchip implantation

• Be a killed/inactivated vaccine (modified live virus vaccines are not accepted)

• Be clearly documented with the microchip number

• Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old before receiving the rabies vaccine.

Recommended Vaccinations

Dogs: 

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Leptospirosis

Cats:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

• Feline Leukemia (for outdoor cats)

Rabies Titer Test

A rabies titer test (RNATT) is not required for pets entering South Africa from the United States.

Blood Tests (Dogs Only)

Dogs traveling to South Africa require several blood tests with very explicit instructions. It's extremely important that veterinarians request the correct test and send them to approved laboratories.

All tests must be performed within 30 prior to export and must produce a negative result. All tests (except T. evansi) must be completed at an "officially approved laboratory" in the United States - we strongly recommend Protatek Reference Lab. The T. evansi tests must be completed at an OIE Reference Laboratory in Belgium or Japan.

Brucella canis

• Serum agglutination OR Rapid slide agglutination test

Trypanosmoa evansi

• BOTH a Card agglutination test AND a Giemsa blood smear

• Both tests MUST be completed at an OIE Reference Laboratory

Babesia gibsoni

• TWO (2) tests are required:
  • Immunoflouresence antibody test OR ELISA using the BgTRAP antigen
  • AND a Giemsa blood smear OR Real-time PCR

Dirofilaria immitis

• Microfilarial filtration test (this is the ONLY acceptable test)

Leishmaniosis

• Indirect fluorescent antibody test OR ELISA test OR Direct agglutination test OR Western blot/membrane immunoassay

Cats do not require any blood testing for import to South Africa.

Parasite Treatments (Dogs Only)

Dogs are required to be treated for heartworm, ticks, and flies as follows. 

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm)

Begin treatment after a negative test result for Dirofilaria has been received, and before (or on) the date the health certificate is completed. 

Leishmania and Babesia gibsoni

Dogs must be treated with an effective acaricide with insect repellent within 30 days prior to travel. The product must be effective against ticks and flies. A combination product (ex: K9 Advantix II) or multiple individual products (ex: both permethrin and an imidacloprid) can be used.

Import Permit

An import permit is required for all dogs and cats entering South Africa. This permit is issued by the Director of Animal Health in South Africa and must be obtained prior to travel.

Details include:

• Pet’s microchip and vaccination information

• Breed and age

• Intended port of entry

• Travel date and airline information

👉 Import permits typically take 1–2 weeks to process, but delays are common. Start early.

Veterinary Health Certificates

Your USDA-accredited veterinarian must complete the South Africa-specific veterinary health certificate within 10 days of travel. This document:

• Must match the import permit requirements exactly

• Must confirm the pet is healthy, vaccinated, and fit for travel

• Must include your pet’s microchip number

• The certificate must be endorsed by the USDA and accompany your pet into South Africa.

Quarantine

If all import requirements are met and documents are in order, no quarantine is required for pets entering South Africa from the U.S.

However, if documentation is incomplete or inaccurate, your pet may be subject to quarantine or refused entry.

Banned & Restricted Breeds

South Africa does not currently ban or restrict any dog or cat breeds. However, pit bull-type breeds may be subject to additional scrutiny during customs clearance or by airlines. Always check with your carrier before travel.

Travel Requirements

Pets entering South Africa must arrive as manifest cargo into one of the approved ports of entry, typically:

• OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)

• Cape Town International Airport

Upon arrival:

• Pets are inspected by the State Veterinary Officer

• Customs paperwork must be completed

• Starwood can coordinate clearing services and delivery to your new home

Age Requirements

Pets must be at least 3 months old at the time of travel, due to rabies vaccination timing and health requirements.

Additional Considerations

South Africa has a hot climate—summer embargoes and breed-specific flight restrictions may apply. Plan flights to avoid extreme heat.

Only two pets per person are allowed under personal import rules. More than two pets may trigger commercial regulations.

Dogs and cats must be free of ticks and parasites before boarding.

Ready to Move Your Pet to South Africa?

With sweeping views, wide open spaces, and a culture that values animals, South Africa is a welcoming place for your pet—if the import process is done right. Our relocation team at Starwood handles every step of the journey to make your move smooth and safe.

What’s the Process for Moving a Pet from South Africa?

Once you submit your quote request and confirm your booking, a dedicated pet travel specialist will guide you through the process of importing your pet from South Africa to the United States. We assist with coordinating arrival logistics, reviewing veterinary documentation, and preparing your pet for safe international travel with an airline-approved kennel. On the day your pet arrives in the United States, our team monitors the process and keeps you informed while your pet clears customs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Our import services focus on your pet’s arrival and customs clearance in the United States. Export requirements from South Africa—including veterinary certificates and local regulatory approvals—must be completed before travel. In some cases, pets entering the United States from certain countries may also require additional CDC documentation depending on vaccination status and travel history.